THE INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS. 
3 
determination of the names and extent of the divisions and the 
colouration to be adopted in the geological map of Europe. The 
divisions of the Cretaceous System and the classification of the 
Tertiary System were left for future consideration. The most 
important proposition brought forward was a scheme for the pre¬ 
paration and publication of a ‘ Nomenclator Palseontologicus,’ to 
contain the names (with references) of all published species of 
animals and plants found in a fossil state. It was determined that 
the next triennial congress be held in London in 1888. 
The present year will therefore witness the fourth meeting of 
the International Geological Congress, which will be held in London 
from the 17th to the 22nd of September. The number of members 
for this meeting already exceeds that of the largest of the pre¬ 
ceding meetings, and the number of foreign geologists who have 
promised to attend also exceeds the largest number present on any 
former occasion. The success of the London Congress, so far as 
regards both the total number of members and the representation 
of foreign countries, is therefore already assured. But in this 
country there is one drawback. At the three preceding meetings, 
held in Continental cities, the Committees received government 
assistance, aid from the State railways, etc., which will not be 
given here. The expenses must therefore be met by private con¬ 
tributions, and it is estimated that at least £500 will be required. 
The whole of the subscription for membership (10s.) will be 
devoted to the printing of the publications relating to the London 
meeting, and these will be sent by post to all members whether 
they are present at the Congress or not. The privileges of member¬ 
ship will also include attending the meetings in London, having a 
voice in the deliberations at these meetings, and joining in excur¬ 
sions to places of geological interest. 
With regard to the work of the Congress in London, the objects 
for which it was founded—(1) the Unification of Geological Nomen¬ 
clature, and (2) the Unification of Geological Cartography—will 
form the chief subjects for discussion, the special points for debate 
being the classification of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks, and of the 
Tertiaries. The latter will be of particular interest to Hertford¬ 
shire geologists, to whom strata of Lower Eocene age are so familiar. 
Special reports on the crystalline schists will also be prepared, and 
other questions of general or international interest will be discussed. 
The meetings will be held in the rooms of the University of London, 
Burlington House.^ 
During the week of the Congress there will be short excursions 
to Badlett and St. Albans, and to Watford, in our own county, to 
Eton and Windsor, Brighton, Kew Gardens, and to other places of 
interest; and during the week after the meeting (from September 
* On the Organising Committee for the London meeting are eight honorary 
and four ordinary members of onr Society. The Treasurer is Mr. F. W. Rudler, 
who has delivered a lecture before our Society at St. Albans, and the Secretaries 
are Mr. J. W. Hulke, F.R.S., and Mr. W. Topley, to the latter of whom all 
communications should be addressed at 28, Jermyn Street, London. 
